Redcliffe Dolphins
News

The Dolphins opened the season with wins in all grades at Ipswich last weekend. All 3 games were tough encounters and it was pleasing for the coaches their sides were able to walk away with 2 points.

The Colts jumped out of the blocks well slipping out to a halftime lead of 14-6. The Jets worked themselves back into the game leading 16-14 midway through the second half before a tense finish saw the Dolphins run out eventual winners 20 points to 14.The side will need to improve its discipline in the future with too many unnecessary penalties. Matt Handcock and Tom Donnelly will spend 3 weeks on the sidelines after an unfortunate tackle while Captain Tim Benson proved the sides best collecting the LEADING EDGE SPORTS Man of the Match. This week sees the Dolphins tackling the Western District Panthers for the first home game of the season.

The A Grade encounter was a rugged affair with both sides playing the game in a physical style. The Dolphins finished 34-14 winners after playing the final 25 minutes with 12 men after Richie Russell was sent off. It was a solid effort from the Dolphins as the game was still a tight contest when Richie left the field, Coach Grant Cleal was impressed with the way the side put the game beyond doubt in the circumstances. Dominic Fallini continued his impressive trial form receiving the HOGS BREATH CAFE Man of the Match award off the bench, Dom was well supported by NZ recruit Kaine Manihera and Mark Shipway who unfortunately picked up a rib cartilage injury. The team also tackles the Western District Panthers this weekend who will be keen to register their first win.

The Premier Grade side completed the trifecta with a hard fought win over the Jets to the tune of 34 points to 12. The game was a good contest despite the scoreline with the Dolphins relying on a determined defensive effort to shut out Ipswich on their home soil. The win has come a cost with Clint Frazer badly separating the AC joint in his shoulder, Danny Green also suffered a shoulder injury while Pat Gardner will miss one week through suspension, Duane O?Grady was thought to have broken the scaffoid in his left hand however tests have cleared him of a break. Winger Adam Fletcher was solid on debut for the Dolphins receiving the KEYSTAR AUTOWORLD Players Player award and evergreen forward Adam Starr proved his worth again with his SEARLES GARDEN PRODUCTS Player of the Match performance, others to impress were Danny Burke and centres Greg Bourke and Nick Emmett. This week provides a real test for the Dolphins depth with a number of player?s unavailable to confront the Central Comets who will be champing at the bit after downing the Burleigh Bears for the first time last weekend.

The first home games of the season shape as good encounters and with the Wizard Family Day promotion on we can expect a good crowd on hand for their first fix of Dolphin Oval footy for the year.